God's Mysterious Will

I am beginning to believe that the debate between scholars such as John Piper and Gregory Boyd, regarding the definition of God's will, will never be concluded in this life. Perhaps that is the fundamental idea that all Christians must acknowledge: that we will never fully comprehend what God's will actually is. How many lives have been turned away from the Church because it members value certain theological doctrines more than relationship? Perhaps YHWH is less interested in our understanding of every facet of His "I am"-ness, but more interested in our active relationship with Him. Do a husband and wife ever come to a point where they know and understand everything about each other? As a young single adult, I cannot really answer that; but I imagine that there are unsolved mysterious at the end of their lives. But is not the essential purpose of marriage less about complete understanding of one another and more about complete love of one another (and the heavy load that Love entails—embodied by God—which itself bears untold mysteries)? Love in part seems to be about surrender our need to fully understand; that we will serve one another no matter our limitations.

Anyway, I believe Ed Gungor's article, "God's Mysterious Will", provides some valuable insights to reflect upon. (Note: if you are interested in knowing more about Gungor, you can visit www.edgungor.com. I always believe that it is helpful to know a little about the author). I believe that, perhaps more than anything else I have ever read, Gugnor presents a very tactful outline for us to begin understanding God’s will as comprised of: 1. His sovereign will, 2. His pursued will, and 3. His challenged will.

I challenge everyone, including myself, to engage with such thoughts with open minds. Other theologians aside, there is validity in his Scriptural assessment (at least from my own reading of the Word). Surely, others will interpret such passages differently because they already think they understand what is really true. Thus, I challenge us all to read and re-read carefully; to really examine the Scriptures with humble and open attentiveness to the Holy Spirit's stirring.

I am sure there is much more that could be written, but I would probably have to address every single aspect of theology to adequately do so. I do not have that kind of energy. Besides, in a way, I do not think our understanding of Truth is as important as our attempts to actually live according to Truth every day. Please know that I believe that understanding is very important. The writers of Proverbs often speak of the value of both knowledge and wisdom. I begin to think that wisdom ultimately comes from the Holy Spirit. Thus, we must faithfully pursue both. But amidst that journey we must also live as best and graciously as we can with the maturing knowledge and understanding that we have, as well as the awareness that we will never fully know and understand everything (i.e. be perfect). Praise God for His grace, that despite our frailties He has pursued relationship with us since the beginning of time.